Michael Doane has significantly advanced microbiome research, particularly in marine systems. Much of his work has focused on the interactions between microbial communities and marine hosts, such as sharks and rays, to better understand host-microbe relationships' ecological and evolutionary dynamics. Using next-generation sequencing and metagenomics, he has uncovered the taxonomic and functional diversity of elasmobranch microbiomes across species, habitats, and time scales. For instance, his research has highlighted how microbial communities on species' skin, like whale sharks and leopard sharks, maintain functional stability despite taxonomic variability, offering insights into host health and resilience. Additionally, his work extends to microbial oceanography, where he investigates how marine microbial communities mediate global processes such as carbon sequestration and nutrient cycling.

He also employs environmental DNA (eDNA) techniques to assess fish biodiversity and habitat relationships, enhancing species detection and biodiversity assessments in marine environments like the Great Australian Bight. His multidisciplinary approach connects microbial ecology with conservation biology, shedding light on the microbial drivers of marine ecosystem health and the implications of environmental changes. These contributions expand our understanding of marine microbiomes and offer practical applications for conservation and environmental monitoring.

Michael’s academic achievements reflect his impactful research career. He earned his Ph.D. in Marine Microbiology from the University of California, Davis, where he developed foundational expertise in host-microbe interactions. His work has garnered over 800 citations and an h-index of 14, underscoring its influence in the field. Collaborating with leading researchers worldwide, he has contributed to high-impact publications in journals like Environmental Microbiology and Scientific Reports. As a Research Fellow at Flinders University, Michael continues to bridge molecular tools and ecological research, advancing our understanding of microbiomes in marine ecosystems.